"This catalogue is published in conjunction with 'The World between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East,' on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, from March 18 through June 23, 2019." -- Colophon Includes bibliographical references (pages 277-299) and index. "The World between Empires: Art and Identity in the Ancient Middle East" : March 18-June 23, 2019, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States.
Contents:
Destruction and Preservation. Southwestern Arabia -- Nabataea -- Judaea -- Tyre and Sidon -- Heliopolis-Baalbek -- Palmyra -- Dura-Europos -- Hatra, Ashur, and Northern Mesopotamia -- From Babylon to Ctesiphon -- Changing Times: the Rise of the Sasanians -- Destruction and Preservation.
Summary:
"'The World between Empires' presents a new perspective on the art and culture of the Middle East in the years 100 B.C.-A.D. 250, a time marked by the struggle for control by the Roman and Parthian Empires. For the first time, this book weaves together the cultural histories of the cities along the great incense and silk routes that connected southwestern Arabia, Nabataea, Judaea, Syria, and Mesopotamia. It captures the intricate web of influence and religious diversity that emerged int he Middle East through the exchange of goods and ideas. And for our current age, when several of the archaeological sites featured here--including Palmyra, Dura-Europos, and Hatra--have been subject to deliberate destruction and looting, it addresses the crucial subject of preserving what has been lost and contextualizes the significance of these works on a local and global scale. This essential volume features 186 objects of exceptional importance from Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Readers are taken on a fascinating journey that explores sites of intense political and religious struggles against Roman rule as well as important religious centers and military bulwarks of the Parthian Empire. Reaching across two millennia, 'The World between Empires' brings vividly to life how individuals and cities in ancient times defined themselves, and how these factors continue to resonate today." --publisher's description, dust jacket.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.